The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers in that year to thousands today.

The swim generally takes place at 2:30 p.m. on the first day of each new year. Costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race are the highlights of this event.

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash.Image: Mark Klotz